Author Interview (+ a Giveaway): Lorelei James

Posted August 9, 2013 by Holly in Giveaways, Promotions | 44 Comments

9780451413963_large_Turn_and_BurnToday we have New York Times Bestselling Author Lorelei James here to answer a few questions about her latest release, Turn and Burn (#5 in her Blacktop Cowboys series), her writing and life in the Midwest.

Tell us about Turn and Burn. What can your readers expect from the story?

A stubborn, hot, sweet cowboy veterinarian and a feisty, sexy, proud Texas cowgirl finding love, redemption, lots of smokin’-hot sex and sweet moments in the wide open plains of Wyoming.

Turn and Burn is book 5 in your Blacktop Cowboys series. Can it be read as a stand-alone or should the other books be read first?

TURN AND BURN can be read as a standalone.  Which was my intent in writing a second contemporary western erotic romance series, new readers won’t be lost if this is the first book of mine they pick up, whereas my Rough Riders series is best started from the beginning to get all the character’s arcs since I’m 15+ books into that series.

Tell us a bit about the inspiration for Tanna Barker, the heroine of Turn and Burn. She’s a barrel racing champion. Is that something you have personal experience with?

God no. Since I’m a huge rodeo fan, I love to watch barrel racing. The speed of the horse and the communication between horse and rider when done right in the arena is riveting. Since for the most part, barrel racing is the only event women compete in on the national (meaning paid) level, it was natural for me to want to tell a story starring one of these tough women.

What’s your favorite scene from this book?

I had so much fun just cutting loose and writing the opening scene in the bar, where the banter between Tanna and Fletch is sexy and flirty—and leads them straight into trouble. I also liked writing the first sex scene in a book because putting them in an intimate situation reveals a lot about both of their characters.

Of the five books in the series, which was your favorite to write?

The last book is always my favorite one because it’s the freshest in my mind  I fall in love with the characters while I’m writing them, and then after I’ve given them their happily ever after I move on to the next couple.

Have there been any books in the Blacktop Cowboys series you had trouble writing – where the characters just didn’t work?

Every single book is hard to write—contrary to popular belief, writing doesn’t get easier, it gets harder. With the first couple of books readers don’t have any expectations because they’re getting to know an author’s style and if they like it, they’ll keep buying and reading subsequent books. I’m so thankful to have Kerry Donovan, my fantastic editor for the Blacktop Cowboys series. She’s great at keeping the books on track and when I need help with plot or characterization she’s always come through.

Are there a set number of books planned in the series?

I’m currently contracted for one more book in the series, HILLBILLY ROCKSTAR, and that will release in August 2014. I’ve written the proposals for the next two books in the series, so hopefully we can make it happen to keep the series going.

What is a typical writing day like for you?

I try to do all my emailing, correspondence, blogging, social media in the morning so I can go offline completely and have the remainder of the day to write. It doesn’t always work out that way, sometimes I have to look at covers and work with jacket copy and approve changes, but for the most part when I’m under deadline, I try and save the bulk of my day for writing new material. Which means no internet after ten a.m. until 9:30 at night when I check in again. I’m usually in different stages of several books at one time, so I don’t always have the luxury of focusing just on one project.  I get asked a lot how long it takes me to write a book, and it’s not a cop out when I say I’ll fill the time I have with whatever projects I’ve got going. Give me 6 months to write a book, it’ll take me 6 months. Give me 2 months to write a book, it’ll take me 2 months. Yes, writing is a creative process, but it’s also my job. I write on the days I don’t feel like writing because I know if I don’t make some progress every day, I’ll miss my deadline and that throws everything into chaos. My deadlines have been very tight the last few years and most days it seems like I don’t have a life beyond writing. But there is something creatively freeing about being so immersed in a book that’s all I do—think, eat, dream, breathe in that world with those characters.

What is your favorite part of living in South Dakota? (That’s where I grew up)  

A native South Dakotan—we’re a rare breed anymore, especially those of us who choose to continue living here! I love the climate, the people, the western ideals—but there are days I hate all that too and would love to get lost in the crush of people in LA or NYC. I love to travel, see new places, meet new people, experience a different way of life, but I’m always so happy to see the Black Hills appear in the horizon and I know I’m home in South Dakota where I belong 

Just for fun:

What’s the last really good book you read? One you had to stay up late to finish?

MACRIEVE by Kresley Cole. I was up until 3:00 am. Love love love her books.

What’s your favorite color?

Purple.

Enter to win a copy of Turn and Burn (US ONLY):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lorelei James lo resAbout the Author:

When New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James is not squirreled away behind her laptop in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, she can be found reading, shootin’ her .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour, and running a kids’ taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.  Visit her online at Visit her online at www.loreleijames.com, www.facebook.com/lorelei-james, and www.twitter.com/loreleijames.


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44 responses to “Author Interview (+ a Giveaway): Lorelei James

  1. Helen Marie

    I’ve read a lot about Lorelei James but haven’t read her books yet. I would love to win.
    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  2. Jess1

    I haven’t read any books by this author yet, although I do have one of them on my wish list. Thanks for a chance to win this book.

  3. JenM

    I haven’t tried any of the Blacktop Cowboy books, but I’ve read at least 10 of Lorelei’s Rough Rider books. I love those McKays. Thanks for the giveaway.

  4. Great interview! I am a huge fan of Lorelei and her books! I’m still trying to catch up with the Rough Riders series, but all of the Blacktop Cowboys are on my wish list!

  5. Meghan

    I just live Lorelei James! I’ve only read her Rough Riders series as of yet, but I’m hoping to get my hands on more of her books!! I am never disappointed when I read one of her books…her writing always exceeds my expectations.

  6. Wendy Logsdon

    Looking forward to this as a standalone! I have never read a book out of sequence in a series, but noting that it is a great standalone in this interview…can’t go wrong! Glad I visited this blog today!

  7. Cindy Mucha Barton

    I would love to own this book. It would be awesome to actually own one of her books.

  8. I am still getting through the Rough Riders series and I can’t wait to start this series too.. I just love all your handsome, hunky cowboy heroes…

  9. Paula Yant

    I love all of Lorelei James’ books. She is an amazing writer. Thanks for the interview and chance to win a copy of the book.

  10. Shannon Burdsall

    I so need this book but I have to wait because I want it in paperback to add to my shelf! I love LJ’s books!!

  11. Jenny Dauksa Schaber

    I love Lorelei’s books and appreciate everything she puts out. Sometimes I wonder how she comes up with some of this, but I’m so happy that she does. Thanks for all the happy hours I’ve spent in her books & I look forward to giving her MANY more hours/days of my time!

  12. Stephanie D Bruster

    I am new to the author but plan on starting to read her books. After reading this blog, I’m so excited to start reading.

  13. Janet B

    Love Lorelei’s writing, would love to win a copy of her new book!.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

  14. PamC.

    I love Lorelei’s books..The first book of hers I read was the second Blacktop Cowboys book. Been a fan since.

  15. Debbie S

    Great interview and with a fantastic author….love…love…love all her books!!!!! Loved this book too. As always cannot wait until her next release!!! 🙂

  16. Michelle the Romance Witch

    love both of ms. james cowboy series and i can’t wait for the chance to read Turn and Burn. thanks for the chance to win.

  17. Gretchen

    I love all of Lorelei’s Rough Riders books!! I have a huge problem putting any of them down. I would love to read Turn and Burn:)

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